Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Norborne, MO. Accused of an internet sex crime in Norborne? It can be tempting to think that these charges are not as severe as rape or sexual abuse, but some can be Class A felonies, resulting in a decades-long prison sentence.
If you’re facing these allegations, you can get help. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Norborne, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We’ve fought thousands of cases, many of them just like yours. No matter your circumstances, we’re ready to craft a staunch defense.
This page will go over some of the most common online sex crime charges in Missouri, and why it’s essential to work with a skillful criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. If you’re facing charges and need help now, call our team at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to set up a confidential consultation.
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This Page Covers
- How an online sex crimes lawyer will help you defend yourself
- What to look for when looking for a sex crimes attorney
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Norborne, MO
- Why you need to think about Federal criminal defense
- What to do if you’re being charged with an internet sex crime
- How our lawyers defend online sex crime charges in Norborne, MO
- Formal and informal penalties for a conviction
- How to get in touch with a Norborne, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
How Your Norborne, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been accused of an online sex crime, your first step should be, speaking with a skillful Norborne, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be the first thing you do. The right attorney will listen to your story and build you a defense around it.
On the legal side, your attorney starts their job while the police are conducting their investigation. It’s common for them to help by communicating with law enforcement on your behalf and advising you on what to say. They will also conduct their own investigation for exculpatory evidence.
It’s common for these types of cases to center around either questions of consent or the admissibility of the state’s evidence. Your attorney should thoroughly investigate both of these avenues to see if they are viable defensive strategies. In doing so, you can examine possible motives behind the accusations, rather than accept them uncritically.
Finally, your criminal defense lawyer will help you promote a positive image. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma that others don’t, and that can have a wide-reaching impact on your life. An attorney who’s comfortable speaking in front of the press can defend your reputation and protect you from the spotlight.
What to Look for in Your Norborne, MO, Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing internet sex crime charges, you need an internet sex crimes attorney in Norborne, MO, who’s experienced with those charges. But there are many options available, and it can be hard to figure out the right one for your case. When you’re deciding who to represent you, look for someone which can give you the following:
- Experience: Ideally with the exact crime you’ve been charged with.
- Client-Centered Approach: Look for someone who cares about your wellbeing, not just a paycheck.
- Strong Reputation: Check reviews to see what people think of this attorney.
- Trial-Ready Strategy: Whether or not your case goes to trial, preparing for trial gives you an advantage throughout your case.
Combs Waterkotte’s online sex crime lawyers offer all of this for you. When you work with us, you’re getting a dedicated legal team that is known for delivering positive results. Our team is ready for your case today.
Legal Videos
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
Too Intoxicated to Give Consent?
Missouri criminal defense lawyers Steven Waterkotte and Chris Combs talk about alleged victims being too intoxicated to give consent. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Most people …
Criminal Lawyer Talks About Representing Sex Criminals
Real Criminal Defense Lawyer talks about representing sex criminals. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: I always say probably what the public views as the most vile or despicable …
Your Word Against Theirs in Court
Are just allegations enough to get charged with a crime? When it's your word against theirs in court. Episode Transcript Chris Combs: And allegations alone will do it. Steve hit on this …
What Happens When You Are Charged With a Child Sex Crime?
What happens when you are charged with a child sex crime? Episode Transcript Chris Combs: If you're a tier three sex offender, you can only have approved electronic devices. You have to …
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
Too Intoxicated to Give Consent?
Missouri criminal defense lawyers Steven Waterkotte and Chris Combs talk about alleged victims being too intoxicated to give consent. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Most people …
Criminal Lawyer Talks About Representing Sex Criminals
Real Criminal Defense Lawyer talks about representing sex criminals. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: I always say probably what the public views as the most vile or despicable …
Your Word Against Theirs in Court
Are just allegations enough to get charged with a crime? When it's your word against theirs in court. Episode Transcript Chris Combs: And allegations alone will do it. Steve hit on this …
What Happens When You Are Charged With a Child Sex Crime?
What happens when you are charged with a child sex crime? Episode Transcript Chris Combs: If you're a tier three sex offender, you can only have approved electronic devices. You have to …
Norborne, MO, Internet Sex Crime Allegations Our Lawyers Fight
Missouri has a wide variety of laws governing sexual conduct on the internet. Below are some of the ones we defend in Norborne, MO:
Possessing Child Pornography
Statute: § 573.037
Description: Possession of child pornography is when a person has sexual images or videos of a person under the age of 18, or who appears to be under 18. The possession normally has to be intentional.
Penalty: Typically a Class D felony. In certain circumstances, like having more than 20 images, it is a Class B felony.
Promoting Child Pornography
Statute: § 573.025 | § 573.035
Description: Promoting child pornography typically refers to giving it out. There are two degrees: First degree is for material that depicts someone under the age of 14, while second degree is for ages 15-17. Providing such material to others violates this law.
Penalty: First Degree: Class B felony, or Class A felony if the recipient was a minor. Second Degree: Class D felony, or Class B felony if promoted to a minor
Exploitation of a Minor (Producing Child Pornography)
Statute: § 573.023
Description: Exploitation of a minor refers to situations where a person intentionally or recklessly creates child pornography. This includes photographing or taking video of a child in a sexual situation.
Penalty: Class B or Class A felony.
Solicitation (Enticement) of a Minor
Statute: § 566.151
Description: Solicitation of a minor occurs when an adult who’s 21 or older uses the internet, phone, or other electronic device to try to get someone under the age of 15 to have sex, or a similar act.
Penalty: 5-30 years in prison, with no possibility for probation or early release for at least 5 years.
Stalking
Statute: § 565.225 | § 565.227
Description: Stalking can occur online, either in second- or first-degree. Second-degree stalking is more general, and includes cases where one person disturbs or follows another person, causing emotional stress. First-degree stalking covers more advanced cases, like actions done in violation of a restraining order.
Penalty: First Degree: Class E felony in most cases, Class D in more advanced cases. Second Degree: Class A misdemeanor in most cases, Class E felony in advanced cases.
Whatever type of internet sex crime charge you’re facing, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. We will learn your case inside and out, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best outcome possible in your case.
The Intersection Between Federal Charges and State Charges for Internet Sex Crimes in Norborne, MO
Unfortunately, if you’ve been accused of an internet sex crime in Norborne, MO, you may have to deal with more than just the local prosecutor. You’re also potentially looking at federal sex crime allegations. Normally, for the federal government to be involved, the alleged offense needs to occur on federal property or cross state lines. Internet crimes in particular are affected by this, since the internet goes beyond Missouri state borders.
You probably don’t want to face federal criminal charges. The prosecutors are often more experienced and have stronger teams behind them. It’s easy to feel intimidated and overwhelmed when walking into federal court to defend yourself.
Your Norborne, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who stops when the federal government gets involved. You need a team with the strength to take on the U.S. government. At Combs Waterkotte, you get a team of attorneys, support staff, and investigators who doesn’t give up when the federal prosecutors enter the room.
Do’s and Don’t’s of Internet Sex Crime Accusations
When facing internet sex crime allegations in Norborne, MO, you need to take thoughtful steps to defend your innocence. Making mistakes early on can lead to a conviction. But if you avoid them, you’re maximizing your defense’s power.
Below are the main Do’s and Don’t’s to follow if you’re accused of an internet sex crime:
Do: Reach Out to a Lawyer
Whatever your situation is, a lawyer should be your first call. An attorney can help you interact with investigators, avoid future mistakes, negotiate with the district attorney, and more. It’s never a good idea to try to handle things yourself.
Don’t: Talk to the Police On Your Own
It can be tempting to think, “This is all just a misunderstanding; I can clear this up when I talk to the police.” But in reality, this is a dangerous trap to fall into. Regardless of your situation, a poorly handled interview can sink your case.
Do: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
You might find yourself in a police interrogation before your lawyer arrives – don’t talk. State that you are invoking your Fifth Amendment rights and politely ask to speak with your attorney.
Don’t: Reach Out to the Alleged Victim
If you’re falsely accused, something is being blown out of proportion, or if the alleged victim changes their story, it’s possible you’re thinking about contacting them. But this can get you in even more trouble. Even if you don’t mean it, this contact could be seen as intimidation, hurting your case.
Do: Gather and Preserve Evidence
Your internet sex crimes lawyer will use whatever evidence you have to build your defense. Before it’s lost, take screenshots or other steps to preserve the evidence. As you find it, be sure to share it with your attorney.
Don’t: Delete Information
Attempting to hide or delete information can hurt your case. If you do this, you can face additional charges and extended punishments.
The following document provides a guide on how to handle sex crime accusations: What to Do if You’re Accused of a Sex Crime.
Common Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Internet Sex Crime Allegations
Your situation is unique, and you deserve a defense that’s tailored to your situation. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide clients with defenses designed to fit best into their situation. We pick out an appropriate strategy and customize it to your situation.
Here are six of the most common tactics your Norborne, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use to defend you:
- Lack of Intent: Intent doesn’t matter for every internet sex crime, but for many, it does. For example, if you purchased a used computer without knowing it had child pornography on it, you never intended to possess it.
- Rights Violation: There are rules for how the police are supposed to conduct their investigations. If you weren’t read your Miranda rights before a statement, or evidence was collected illegally, we can file for it to be suppressed.
- Consent: Some actions are only illegal if the alleged victim did not consent. If we can provide compelling evidence that they did, it will erode the state’s case. Note that this does not apply to offenses involving minors.
- Mistaken Identity: With internet crimes, it can be hard to properly identify who the person is behind the keyboard. It’s possible someone hacked into your social media account and used it to send explicit messages, or another person found your wifi password and used it to distribute obscene images of a child.
- Alibi: Related to mistaken identity, we can build a case that you are factually innocent because you were elsewhere at the time.
- False Allegations: Unfortunately, some people will weaponize sex crime allegations for their own means (for example, in a child custody battle). We will work to raise reasonable doubt as to why your accuser might be making these allegations.
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Charged With a Sex Crime? Common Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri and Illinois’s leading sex crime defense law firm. Our team of expert criminal defense attorneys have handled over 10,000 cases – many just like yours – and have saved out clients from over 1 million days from jail or prison.
Consequences of an Online Sex Crime Conviction
A conviction will lead to a prison sentence, in most cases. The specific penalty is determined by what law you’re accused of violating. A lighter allegation that’s a Class A misdemeanor has a maximum of one year, while a Class A felony can go up to 30 years, or even life imprisonment.
In addition to the prison sentence, you’ll have join the sex offender registry. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Norborne, MO, it’s sometimes possible to remove your name from the registry, though this is only after a 10 or 20 year period post-sentence. And while you’re waiting, violations can have harsh penalties in and of themselves.
Finally, you’ll be up against a very negative public opinion. You can face career consequences, there are restrictions on where you can live, and your family could be torn apart. On top of that, people will likely treat you differently if they find out about your conviction.
For all these reasons, it’s important to fight for your freedom in court, with a skilled attorney at your side.
Talk To an Experienced Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Norborne, MO, Today
Combs Waterkotte is here to help. We’re not going to make false promises or sugarcoat your situation – we’re going to come up with a plan to help you get out of it. We offer:
- A well-respected team which serves the entire state of Missouri.
- Help when you need it most, through our 24/7 support.
- Insight into how the state builds its cases, from prior prosecuting experience.
- An investigation team lead by a former law enforcement officer supporting our attorneys.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Norborne, MO, reach out to an attorney any time, day or night at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your charges online for a confidential consultation.
